The 2026 Nissan Kicks is an upgraded take on Nissan's entry-level subcompact crossover. Totally new last year, it doesn't quite deliver a Jean Claude Van Damme-level kick to the competition, but the Kicks is a stellar choice in this hotly contested, value-driven segment.
For around $30,000 before taxes and destination — the base S trim starts at $27,198; this SV AWD model comes in at $31,248 as-tested — the Kicks is aimed squarely at first-time new car buyers and retired empty-nesters wanting something cheap and economical. This doesn't mean the Kicks is cheap in nature; quite the opposite, in fact.
Exterior design, first impressions
This latest Kicks came out in 2025, sold alongside the previous-gen Kicks which was renamed the Kicks Play. Looking at them side-by-side, the new Kicks may as well be an entirely different model altogether. It wears significantly updated styling that matches the new Murano and other newer Nissans, and has virtually nothing in common with the previous Kicks' look.
This new one looks more premium and cohesive. The front fascia features Nissan’s new look, with a new tri-bar grille design that spans the width of the front end and integrates the slim headlights and DRLs handsomely. Our tester's two-tone look — its body finished in Arctic Ice metallic and the roof gloss black — is an $800 option, but adds an exciting and almost premium touch. With the blacked out upper option, Nissan’s signature window trim, designed to resemble the finish of a katana blade, becomes a more standout visual feature.
Around the back, prominent rear hips flow into the integrated tail lights, which themselves are connected by a gloss black trim piece — not a light bar. The rear three-quarter view is athletic, but the direct rear-view isn't my personal highlight. The 17-inch wheels on the Kicks SV look just fine, but the SR's 18-inch wheel design are more attractive. Still, the new Kicks' new look is much more modern and athletic than before, with some interesting colour choices available to spruce things up even further.
What's the Kicks like inside?
Even more modern is the interior, dominated by a large 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Higher-spec trims use another 12.3-inch screen for the gauge cluster, but the more basic SV uses a seven-inch display plus a second, monochromatic display for the speedometer, fuel gauge, and trip info. It's all masked behind a single panel, so it's still integrated well enough and you don't feel like you're missing out on anything. There's a chunky physical shift knob and a full suite of physical switchgear for the single-zone climate control and basic media, including a volume knob, too. The Kicks gets big points for usability.
The dash and doors feature heather grey fabric accents that looks great, but feels a bit rough to the touch; I question its longevity, although neither are major touch points. The multi-textured cloth seats are both comfortable and visually appealing; the higher-end SR trims have leatherette with red stitching and dimpled cloth inserts. The overall cabin feel is surprisingly upscale, with virtually all materials and touch points feeling solid and very well put-together. That's not always the case in this cost-cutting, value-driven segment.
On-board tech
Every Kicks comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Android Auto worked flawlessly for me, and the wireless charger is always a useful feature, as long as your phone doesn't overheat. This mid-trim SV doesn't have the Bose Personal Plus sound system with the headrest speakers, so audio quality was just OK. But Nissan's full Safety Suite 360 is standard, meaning all Kicks have automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring standard, among other features. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera are locked to the SR.
Powertrain and driving impressions
The powertrain sees a big upgrade in the latest Kicks, which might be enough of a reason alone to choose it over the Play. It still uses an inline-four under the hood, but displacement jumps from 1.6 litres to 2.0, and now puts out 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, increases of 19 and 26, respectively. Those bigger numbers are also available lower in the RPM range, making for more usable real-world power. The Kicks still employs a CVT, which works great in this application. It's even smoother than some of the conventional automatics in this segment. The Kicks used to be front-wheel-drive-only; this latest generation now has four-wheel traction, but it's optional.
The steering and suspension is on par for the segment. I wouldn't consider the Kicks athletic, despite its sporting looks and sneaker-inspired styling. It's competent and confidence-inspiring, meaning it manages to be a willing partner without falling apart should you find yourself in a bit of a rush. That's something I haven't experienced in every subcompact crossover I've driven.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Nissan Kicks isn’t the cheapest option in the price sensitive subcompact crossover segment, but it just might be the coolest and most well-rounded. The Kicks SV AWD's $32,043 as-tested price is higher than a loaded Chevrolet Trax, pretty spot-on to a similar mid-trim Hyundai Kona, and undercuts the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V — both imperfect but solid options themselves, if a little pricier. The Kicks is arguably the most youthful of the bunch, and the entire package — the aesthetics, the drive, the space, and even the overall quality — are all near the top of the category. Nissan makes a compelling case for the 2026 Kicks to anyone looking for an efficient, subcompact, and affordable crossover.
